Sunday, November 15, 2009

I love Christmas and I consider myself a Christmas die hard. By now the upstairs would have three trees decorated and the foyer upstairs would have three wreaths and the sideboard would be decorated.

Sigh.

This year, I won't get to decorate upstairs. And, downstairs may not have but one tree and the family room but one tree.

Because sometimes life throws you major curve balls. That's ok, though, because I am learning that even though the house may not sparkle from head to toe with Christmas cheer, I am personally sparkling from head to toe with Christmas cheer. I am streamlining and making each decoration count. Everything that is being put out will have a personal and family connection and I am going to document those connections in a book for Ashley. Then when life throws a curve ball that ends in a strike out, she will know which items are precious, and which ones are just for fun.

This Christmas will be a time of joy and celebration as I was able to hit the curve ball and get safely to base. All my pathology reports say I am cancer free! Now, to just get past recovery from surgery, being able to use my arm and to stoop down and reach up, will be my next goals.

Layer ingredients, in order listed, into (4 quart or larger) crockpot. Turn the pot on low and cover with a lid. After two hours, remove lid and stir to combine. Replace lid and check again in 30 minutes. When all ingredients are melted, stir to combine. Ladle spoonfuls onto waxed paper. Allow to sit up - 1 hour.Thanks, Aunt Patsy!

My Must Try for This Year!!

Easy Fudge

1 bag chocolate chips

1 can sweetened condensed milk

4 T butter

1 t vanilla

1/2 t salt

Microwave butter, chips and milk, in 30 second intervals, stirring between timings. When all is melted stir in vanilla and salt. Stir well. Pour into a foil lined and buttered 8 by 8" pan. Refrigerate for 2 hours. Remove from pan, remove foil. Cut into 1" pieces.